Flow stream channel splitter devices for multi-coinjection nozzle injection molding machines

Claim 2

An elongated polymer stream flow channel splitter device for use in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, comprised of a polymer flow stream entrance surface portion, a plurality of polymer flow stream exit surface portions, a plurality of spaced polymer stream flow channels extending through a portion of the device, and a plurality of spaced flow channel entrance ports positioned along the entrance surface portion and communicating with the flow channels, each of said flow channels having a portion which branches at a branch point within the device whereat the flow channel splits into first and second branched exit flow channels of substantially equal length and which communicate with and terminate at respective first and second exit ports each positioned in different exit surface portions, the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched exit flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched exit flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced pattern of exit ports, for communication with corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of the multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 3

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 4

The flow channel splitter of claim 1 wherein each flow channel, its branch point and its first and second branched exit flow channels and associated first and second exit ports are in the same vertical plane relative to each other.

Claim 5

The flow channel device of claim 1 wherein the first and second branched flow channels split from their branched point are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 6

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the respective first and second exit ports are on opposite surface portions of the periphery of the splitter device.

Claim 7

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the branch points are substantially coplanar.

Claim 8

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the flow channels are disposed horizontally when the entrance surface portion is disposed vertically.

Claim 9

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein each flow channel has an axial end poriton, and the device includes a plurality of connecting channel portions each of which is connected between and communicates with a flow channel and its branch point.

Claim 10

The flow channel splitter device of claim 8 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 11

The flow channel splitter of claim 1 wherein each branch point and its associated first and second exit ports are in the same vertical plane relative to each other.

Claim 12

The flow channel splitter device of claim 10 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams directed at the entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, from the respective other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 13

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the device has a rearward end, the rearward end is the entrance surface portion, and the flow channels are aligned generally axially in the splitter device.

Claim 14

The flow channel splitter device of claim 12 wherein each flow channel has an axial end portion, and the device includes a plurality of connecting channel portions each of which is connected between and communicates with a flow channel and its branch point.

Claim 15

The flow channel splitter device of claim 12 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 16

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams directed at the entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, from the respective other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 17

The flow channel splitter device of claim 15 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of annular grooves cut into the periphery of the device, there being a groove positioned to isolate the ports having a common branch point from the ports common to other branch points, and an expandable piston ring seated in each annular groove.

Claim 18

The flow channel splitter device of claim 15 wherein the device is adapted to be seated within a bore in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means downstream of the foremost of the entrance ports and of the first and second branched exit ports, and upstream of the rearmost of the entrance ports and of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which enters and exits the ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 19

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein the device is cylindrical and the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially.

Claim 20

The flow channel splitter device of claim 18 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 21

The flow channel device of claim 18 wherein the first and second branched flow channels split from their branched point are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 22

The flow channel splitter device of claim 18 wherein the respective first and second exit ports are on opposite surface portions of the periphery of the splitter device.

Claim 23

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is greater than 90°, and the axial center line of the entrance flow channel intersects the axial center line of each of its associated branched exit flow channels at a point on the axial center line of the device.

Claim 24

The flow channel splitter device of claim 22 wherein the device is cylindrical and the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially.

Claim 25

The flow channel splitter device of claim 22 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 26

The flow channel device of claim 22 wherein the first and second branched flow channels split from their branched point are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 27

The flow channel splitter device of claim 22 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams directed at the entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, from the respective other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 28

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated exit ports is about 90° or greater and the branch point of the first and second branched flow channels is adapted to prevent stagnation of polymer flow stream materials at said branched point.

Claim 29

The flow channel splitter device of claim 27 wherein the device is cylindrical and the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially.

Claim 30

The flow channel splitter device of claim 27 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow chnnel from which they are split.

Claim 31

The flow channel device of claim 27 wherein the first and second branched flow channels split from their branched point are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 32

The flow channel splitter device of claim 27 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams directed at the entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, from the respective other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 33

The flow channel splitter device of claim 1 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated exit ports is from about 90° to about 120° and the branched point of the first and second branched flow channels is adapted to prevent stagnation of polymer flow stream materials at said branched point.

Claim 34

The flow channel splitter device of claim 32 wherein the device is cylindrical and the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially.

Claim 35

The flow channel splitter device of claim 32 wherein the device is cylindrical, the flow channels enter the device radially and transaxially and the first and second branched exit flow channels extend in opposite directions, each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at an angle of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 36

The flow channel device of claim 32 wherein the first and second branched flow channels split from their branched point are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 37

The flow channel splitter device of claim 32 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams directed at the entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, from the respective other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 38

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, and a plurality of spaced substantially axially bored polymer stream flow channels each having a branch point in said forward end portion, the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced pattern of branch points in said forward end portion where each branch point is located in a different vertical plane, and where at the branch point of each flow channel, the channel is split into first and second branched flow channels, each of which is bored at an angle relative to the flow channel from which it is split, is substantially equal in length, and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein each of the first exit ports is in a different vertical plane, each of the second exit ports is in a different vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced final pattern of exit ports in the different peripheral surface portions of the device, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of the multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 39

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, and a plurality of spaced substantially axially bored polymer stream flow channels each having a branch point in said forward end portion, the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced pattern of branch points in said forward end portion where each branch point is located in a different vertical plane, and where at the branch point of each flow channel, the channel is split into first and second branched flow channels, each of which is bored at an angle relative to the flow channel from which it is split, is substantially equal in length, and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein each of the first exit ports is in a different vertical plane, each of the second exit ports is in a different vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced final pattern of exit ports in the different peripheral surface portions of the device, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of the multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 40

The flow channel splitter device of claim 37 wherein the branch points are substantially coplanar.

Claim 41

The flow channel splitter device of claim 37 wherein the flow channels and branch points are disposed horizontally when the rearward end is disposed vertically.

Claim 42

The flow channel splitter device of claim 37 wherein the forward end portion of the device includes isolation means for maintaining the polymer flow streams which exit the exit ports isolated from one another.

Claim 43

The flow channel splitter device of claim 40 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of annular grooves cut into the periphery of the device, each one being located between two exit ports.

Claim 44

The flow channel splitter device of claim 41 wherein the isolation means also includes an expandable piston ring seated in each annular groove.

Claim 45

The flow channel splitter device of claim 42 wherein the forward end portion of the device is adapted to be seated within a bore in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the first and second exit ports, and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which exits the exit ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 46

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, a central polymer stream flow channel, and a plurality of other polymer stream flow channels, all of the flow channels being spaced from each other and being substantially axially bored through a portion of the device, the central flow channel having an axial portion, an axial end portion, and a branch point which splits the central flow channel into first and second central branched flow channels, each of the flow channels of said plurality of other flow channels having an axial portion, an axial end portion, a branch point which splits the flow channel into first and second branched flow channels, and a connecting channel portion connected between and communicating with an axial end portion and branch point, the connecting channel portion being connected to the axial end portion at a connecting point, the axial end portions, connecting points, connecting channel portions and branch points for all flow channels being located in said forward end portion of the device, all of the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the flow channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced and substantially coplanar pattern of connecting points and connecting channel portions for said other flow channels, and an axially-spaced substantially coplanar pattern of branch points for all of the flow channels, all said axially-spaced patterns being located in said forward end portion, where the connecting point, connecting channel portion, and branch point for each flow channel is located in the same vertical plane, wherin each of said first and second branched flow channels split from the same axial flow channel is substantially equal in length and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein each first exit port is in a different vertical plane, each second exit port is in a different vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced pattern of exit ports in different peripheral portions, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 47

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, a central polymer stream flow channel, and a plurality of other polymer stream flow channels, all of the flow channels being spaced from each other and being substantially axially bored through a portion of the device, the central flow channel having an axial portion, an axial end portion, and a branch point which splits the central flow channel into first and second central branched flow channels, each of the flow channels of said plurality of other flow channels having an axial portion, an axial end portion, a branch point which splits the flow channel into first and second branched flow channels, and a connecting channel portion connected between and communicating with an axial end portion and branch point, the connecting channel portion being connected to the axial end portion at a connecting point, the axial end portions, connecting points, connecting channel portions and branch points for all flow channels being located in said forward end portion of the device, all of the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the flow channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced and substantially coplanar pattern of connecting points and connecting channel portions for said other flow channels, and an axially-spaced substantially coplanar pattern of branch points for all of the flow channels, all said axially-spaced patterns being located in said forward end portion, where the connecting point, connecting channel portion, and branch point for each flow channel is located in the same vertical plane, wherin each of said first and second branched flow channels split from the same axial flow channel is substantially equal in length and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein each first exit port is in a different vertical plane, each second exit port is in a different vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced pattern of exit ports in different peripheral portions, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 48

The flow channel splitter device of claim 44 wherein the branch points are substantially coplanar.

Claim 49

The flow channel splitter device of claim 44 wherein the flow channels are disposed horizontally when the entrance surface portion is disposed vertically.

Claim 50

The flow channel splitter device of claim 44 wherein the connecting channel portion, branch point and first and second exit ports are in the same vertical plane for each one of the other flow channels, and the first and second exit ports for the central flow channel are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 51

The flow channel splitter device of claim 47 wherein the forward end portion of the device includes isolation means for maintaining the polymer flow streams which exit the exit ports isolated from one another.

Claim 52

The flow channel splitter device of claim 44 wherein the forward end portion of the device includes isolation means for maintaining the polymer flow streams which exit the exit ports isolated from one another.

Claim 53

The flow channel splitter device of claim 49 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of annular grooves cut into the periphery of the device, each one being located between two exit ports.

Claim 54

The flow channel splitter device of claim 50 wherein the isolation means also includes an expandable piston ring seated in each annular groove.

Claim 55

The flow channel splitter device of claim 51 wherein the forward end portion of the device is adapted to be seated within a bore in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the first and second exit ports, and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which exits the exit ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 56

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, and a plurality of spaced substantially aligned substantially axially-extending polymer stream flow channels bored through a portion of the device, the flow channels each having an axial portion, an axial end portion, a branch point which splits the flow channel into first and second branched flow channels, and a substantially vertical connecting channel portion connected between and communicating with an axial end portion and a branch point, the connecting channel portion being connected to the axial end portion at a connecting point, the axial end portions, connecting points, connecting channel portions and branch points for all flow channels being located in said forward end portion of the device, the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from an aligned pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced and vertically spaced pattern of connecting points, an axially-spaced pattern of connecting channels and an axially-spaced vertically-spaced pattern of branch points, all of said axially-spaced patterns being located in said forward end portion, where the connecting point, connecting channel portion and branch point for each axial flow channel is located in a different vertical plane relative to those for each of the other axial flow channels, wherein said first and second branched flow channels split from the same axial flow channel is substantially equal in length and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein the first and second exit ports for a flow channel are in the same vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced pattern of exit ports in different peripheral portions, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer flow stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 57

An elongated, polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, said device having a rearward end, a forward end portion, and a plurality of spaced substantially aligned substantially axially-extending polymer stream flow channels bored through a portion of the device, the flow channels each having an axial portion, an axial end portion, a branch point which splits the flow channel into first and second branched flow channels, and a substantially vertical connecting channel portion connected between and communicating with an axial end portion and a branch point, the connecting channel portion being connected to the axial end portion at a connecting point, the axial end portions, connecting points, connecting channel portions and branch points for all flow channels being located in said forward end portion of the device, the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed in vertical section through various vertical planes of the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from an aligned pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common vertical plane, to an axially-spaced and vertically spaced pattern of connecting points, an axially-spaced pattern of connecting channels and an axially-spaced vertically-spaced pattern of branch points, all of said axially-spaced patterns being located in said forward end portion, where the connecting point, connecting channel portion and branch point for each axial flow channel is located in a different vertical plane relative to those for each of the other axial flow channels, wherein said first and second branched flow channels split from the same axial flow channel is substantially equal in length and communicates with and terminates at respective first and second exit ports in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, wherein the first and second exit ports for a flow channel are in the same vertical plane, and wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective axially-aligned spaced pattern of exit ports in different peripheral portions, for communication with and passage of polymer flow streams to corresponding polymer flow stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 58

The flow channel splitter device of claim 53 wherein the forward end portion of the device includes isolation means for maintaining the polymer flow streams which exit the exit ports isolated from one another.

Claim 59

The flow channel splitter device of claim 54 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of grooves cut into the periphery of the device, each one being located between two exit ports.

Claim 60

The flow channel splitter device of claim 53 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of grooves cut into the periphery of the device, each one being located between two exit ports.

Claim 61

The flow channel splitter device of claim 56 wherein the isolation means also includes an expandable piston ring seated in each groove.

Claim 62

The flow channel splitter device of claim 57 wherein the forward end portion of the device is adapted to be seated within an elongated rectangular hole in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the first and second exit ports and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which exits the exit ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 63

The flow channel splitter device of claim 56 wherein the isolation means also includes a metal strip seated in each groove.

Claim 64

The flow channel splitter device of claim 59 wherein the forward end portion of the device is adapted to be seated within an elongated rectangular hole in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the first and second exit ports and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which exits the exit ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 65

A cylindrical polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, comprised of a polymer stream entrance surface portion, a plurality of polymer flow stream exit surface portions, a plurality of spaced substantially radially and transaxially extending polymer stream flow channels bored through a portion of the device, and a plurality of spaced axially aligned flow channel entrance ports positioned along the entrance surface portion and communicating with the flow channels, each of said entrance ports being in a different vertical plane, each of said flow channels having a branch point within the device whereat the flow channel is split into first and second branched flow channels of substantially equal length and which communicate with and terminate at respective first and second exit ports positioned in different exit surface portions, wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective pattern of spaced exit ports in different exit surface portions, for presentation to and communication with corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 66

A cylindrical polymer stream flow channel splitter device for a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine, comprised of a polymer stream entrance surface portion, a plurality of polymer flow stream exit surface portions, a plurality of spaced substantially radially and transaxially extending polymer stream flow channels bored through a portion of the device, and a plurality of spaced axially aligned flow channel entrance ports positioned along the entrance surface portion and communicating with the flow channels, each of said entrance ports being in a different vertical plane, each of said flow channels having a branch point within the device whereat the flow channel is split into first and second branched flow channels of substantially equal length and which communicate with and terminate at respective first and second exit ports positioned in different exit surface portions, wherein the plurality of first exit ports for the first branched flow channels and the plurality of second exit ports for the second branched flow channels is each arranged in its own respective pattern of spaced exit ports in different exit surface portions, for presentation to and communication with corresponding polymer stream flow channel entrances in a runner block of a multi-coinjection nozzle, injection molding machine.

Claim 67

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 68

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein the first and second branched exit flow channels of a flow channel extend in opposite directions each at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other and each at an angle greater than 90° relative to the flow channel from which they are split.

Claim 69

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is about 90°.

Claim 70

The flow channel splitter device of claim 64 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same vertical plane.

Claim 71

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is about 90° or greater and the branched point of the first and second branched flow channel is adapted to prevent stagnation of polymer flow stream material at the branch point.

Claim 72

The splitter device of claim 66 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams which are directed at and enter the device through entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, form the respective other flow streams which exit the device through respective first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 73

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is about 90° or to about 120° and the branched point of the first and second branched flow channels is adapted to prevent stagnation of polymer flow stream material at the branch point.

Claim 74

The splitter device of claim 68 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams which are directed at and enter the device through entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, form the respective other flow streams which exit the device through respective first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 75

The splitter device of claim 61 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams which are directed at and enter the device through entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, form the respective other flow streams which exit the device through respective first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 76

The flow channel splitter device of claim 70 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 77

The splitter device of claim 70 wherein the isolation means includes a plurality of annular grooves cut into the periphery of the device, there being a groove positioned to isolate the ports having a common branch point from the ports common to other branch points, and an expandable piston ring seated in each annular groove.

Claim 78

The flow channel splitter device of claim 72 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 79

The flow channel splitter device of claim 72 wherein the device is adapted to be seated within a bore in the runner block, and the device includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the entrance ports and of the first and second branched exit ports, and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost of the entrance ports and of the first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing polymer material which enters and exits the ports from flowing axially in the bore respectively downstream of the foremostly positioned sealing means and upstream of the rearmostly positioned sealing means.

Claim 80

The flow channel splitter device of claim 74 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 81

The flow channel splitter device of claim 61 wherein the axial center line of each entrance flow channel intersects the axial center line of each of its associated branched exit flow channels at a point offset from the axial center line of the device in the direction of the entrance port, and at an angle of from about 100° to 110°.

Claim 82

The flow channel splitter device of claim 76 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is about 90°.

Claim 83

The flow channel splitter device of claim 76 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 84

The splitter device of claim 76 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams which are directed at and enter the device through entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, form the respective other flow streams which exit the device through respective first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 85

The flow channel splitter device of claim 76 wherein the axial center line of each entrance flow channel intersects the axial center line of each of its associated branched exit flow channels at a point offset from the axial center line of the device in the direction of the entrance port, wherein the angle is about 105°.

Claim 86

The flow channel splitter device of claim 80 wherein a peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port to the axial center line of each of its associated branched flow channel exit ports is about 90°.

Claim 87

The flow channel splitter device of claim 80 wherein each flow channel, its branch point, its first and second branched exit flow channels, and its first and second exit ports are in the same transaxial vertical plane.

Claim 88

The splitter device of claim 80 wherein the device includes isolation means for isolating from one another the respective polymer flow streams which are directed at and enter the device through entrance ports, and for isolating the respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports having a common branch point, form the respective other flow streams which exit the device through respective first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 89

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of multi-layered structures having at least two layers of different composition, said apparatus comprising a plurality of molding nozzles, one for each of said structures, a plurality of ducts, one for each of said layers, first splitting means connecting with each of said ducts for receiving a stream of molding material from each duct and dividing said stream into a plurality of branches, and second splitting means connecting with each of said branches for receiving a stream of molding material from each branch and dividing it into sub-branches, the angle between each branch and its associated duct, at any first splitting means, being substantially the same, the angle between each sub-branch and its associated branch at any second splitting means being substantially the same and the length of each branch between each first splitting means and the second splitting means connected thereto being equal, thereby to promote equal treatment of each moiety of the same molding material in its travel from its duct to each of said nozzles.

Claim 90

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of multi-layered structures having at least two layers of different composition, said apparatus comprising a plurality of molding nozzles, one for each of said structures, a plurality of ducts, one for each of said layers, first splitting means connecting with each of said ducts for receiving a stream of molding material from each duct and dividing said stream into a plurality of branches, and second splitting means connecting with each of said branches for receiving a stream of molding material from each branch and dividing it into sub-branches, the angle between each branch and its associated duct, at any first splitting means, being substantially the same, the angle between each sub-branch and its associated branch at any second splitting means being substantially the same and the length of each branch between each first splitting means and the second splitting means connected thereto being equal, thereby to promote equal treatment of each moiety of the same molding material in its travel from its duct to each of said nozzles.

Claim 91

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, said apparatus comprising a series of molding nozzles, a plurality of supply duct means corresponding to the layers of said structures and means connecting said supply duct means with said nozzles, said means comprising a series of branched channels extending from each of said supply duct means, the length and branch angles of the channels connecting with any one supply duct means being substantially equal, thereby to insure identical treatment of molding material being delivered to each of said molding nozzles.

Claim 92

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, said apparatus comprising a series of molding nozzles, a plurality of supply duct means corresponding to the layers of said structures and means connecting said supply duct means with said nozzles, said means comprising a series of branched channels extending from each of said supply duct means, the length and branch angles of the channels connecting with any one supply duct means being substantially equal, thereby to insure identical treatment of molding material being delivered to each of said molding nozzles.

Claim 93

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures each having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, said apparatus comprising a series of molding nozzles, a plurality of essentially parallel supply duct means for directing the flow of said molding materials and means connecting said nozzles with said duct means, said means comprising runner extension means for dividing the stream of molding material from each of said ducts and reorienting said divided streams for further division, said runner extension means comprising an elongated block having a plurality of primary channels each connecting to a supply duct means, said channels each having a portion extending generally axially of the block, each of said channels being of different lengths and connecting to a plurality of branches, said branches extending from said channel to the surface of the block, each of the branches extending from each channel being of the same length and making substantially the same angle with the channel to which it is connected.

Claim 94

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures each having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, said apparatus comprising a series of molding nozzles, a plurality of essentially parallel supply duct means for directing the flow of said molding materials and means connecting said nozzles with said duct means, said means comprising runner extension means for dividing the stream of molding material from each of said ducts and reorienting said divided streams for further division, said runner extension means comprising an elongated block having a plurality of primary channels each connecting to a supply duct means, said channels each having a portion extending generally axially of the block, each of said channels being of different lengths and connecting to a plurality of branches, said branches extending from said channel to the surface of the block, each of the branches extending from each channel being of the same length and making substantially the same angle with the channel to which it is connected.

Claim 95

The apparatus claimed in claim 86 wherein the branches from each of said channels meet the surface of the block in a line approximately parallel to the axis of the block.

Claim 96

The apparatus claimed in claim 86 wherein the block is cylindrical.

Claim 97

The apparatus claimed in claim 88 wherein the runner extension means is located within a runner block means having channels therein and wherein at least one runner block channel is connected to a branch of the runner extension means by an arcuate channel in the surface of said runner extension means.

Claim 98

The apparatus claimed in claim 86 wherein the block is cylindrical and fits within a bore in a runner block means, said runner block means having channels connecting with each branch of the runner extension means and each of said runner block channels terminating in a first dividing means for dividing the stream of molding material in said runner block channel into a plurality of sub-streams.

Claim 99

The apparatus claimed in claim 90 wherein each of the substreams terminates in a second dividing means for splitting the sub-streams into a plurality of end streams.